Gold-decorated TiO2 nanofibrous hybrid for improved solar-driven photocatalytic pollutant degradation

TiO2-based nanomaterials are among the most promising photocatalysts for degrading organic dye pollutants. In this work, Au-TiO2 nanofibers were fabricated by the electrospinning technique, followed by calcination in air at 500 degrees C. Morphological and structural analyses revealed that the composite consists of TiO2 nanofibers with embedded Au nanoparticles that are extensively distributed throughout the porous fibrous structure of TiO2. The photocatalytic performance of these Au-embedded TiO2 nanofibers was evaluated in the photodegradation of Rhodamine B and methylene blue under solar simulator irradiation. Compared with pristine TiO2 nanofibers, the Au-embedded TiO2 nanofibers displayed far better photocatalytic degradation efficiency. The plasmon resonance absorption of Au nanoparticles in the visible spectral region and the effective charge separation at the heterojunction of the Au-TiO2 hybrid are the key factors that have led to the considerable enhancement of the photocatalytic activity. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the potential of Au-TiO2 electrospun nanofibers as solar-light-responsive photocatalysts for the effective removal of dye contaminants from aquatic environments. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The Au-embedded TiO2 nanofibers showed superior photocatalytic degradation efficiency for organic dye pollutants, attributed to the plasmon resonance absorption of Au nanoparticles and effective charge separation at the Au-TiO2 hybrid heterojunction.